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Massage is a treatment which aims to relax, revive and heal the body. There are many different styles of massage, used to treat a range of emotional and physical health problems. But with so many styles, how do you decide which type is best for you?

A massage can be quite daunting for a first-timer. If you’ve taken the first step to contact a therapist, the next thing is booking a treatment and well, turning up.

So, what exactly is a massage?

A massage is the stroking, kneading, rolling and pressing of the skin and muscles. While there are many different styles of massage, each with different origins and aims, they all have the same idea – in some way, they will make you feel good.

Some styles focus on soothing muscles and reducing pain; others on stress relief, relaxation and increasing energy levels, and some aim to improve specific physical conditions. To decide which one is for you, you will need to know what it is you...

TD blogger Kat attended Camexpo (a complementary and alternative medicine exhibition) last weekend and had a quick, five minute taster of Tuina massage.

Walking around the stands at Camexpo this year was eye opening as always, but I was particularly intrigued by a group of people delivering massages over a cotton sheet.

The group was Touch Tuina, and they were providing five minute taster sessions of Tuina (pronounced twee-nah) massage. I sat down to enjoy my five minute shoulder and neck massage before asking a few questions.

To onlookers, the technique looks quite ferocious, and a colleague of mine did say she felt slight discomfort at points, but I honestly didn’t (and I’m usually a wuss when it comes to strong massages!). It was firm, yes, but in the best way.

The techniques used were different to any massage I had before and I really felt it working to ease my tense...

To some, a massage is an indulgence. To others, it can be a tool for overall health and well-being.

Massages are known to ease pain and help with inflammation, while also reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. While it can be seen as an indulgent treat, there are many benefits to treating your body to a massage.

Anxiety relief

Studies have found that on average, the people who experienced a massage had lower levels of anxiety than those who did not. While there is little research to support this, a popular explanation is that massage therapy can lower the level of cortisol (the hormone responsible for the fight or flight response) in the body. A massage can help reduce feelings of anxiety associated with traumatic events or troubling circumstances.

Soothe tension headaches

Headaches are caused by tension and a massage aims to relieve tension in the body. Thai massages are commonly thought to relieve chronic tension headaches – this involves pressure being applied along a specific area of the body to target the...

In the cold, dark month of January, it is intuitive that we slow down, meditate and hibernate. After the December festivities we focus on shedding the toxins and emotional baggage that has taken over our bodies.

This season however, we turn to the practice of Ayurveda to learn more about the winter cleanse. Whether you are interested in revamping your winter cleansing routine or are starting from scratch, these recommendations should help you to take your winter wellness to a new level!

Simplification

The season can often slow down digestion so it is important to be mindful of our body’s reactions. You may be craving basic, filling meals and may not be handling complex flavours well. If you start to notice changes, it is important to make adjustments to your diet.

A good way to stay nourished during this time is by fuelling the body with a warming bowl of rice, beans, vegetables and warming but flavoursome spices. Be sure to choose...

Are you finding it difficult to stay calm and relax now that January has arrived?

While our bodies have the ability to naturally calm us down in stressful situations, often we can push ourselves too far. When we run our bodies at too high of a speed, we can lose that calming ability.

Chronic stress and feeling constantly alert can make us feel as though we have lost the ability to relax. Without this ability, feelings of exhaustion, anxiety, sleeping problems and fluctuating weight can develop.

It is important to take time for yourself, whether you schedule an hour every morning, evening or one day a week.

The following are some of our favourite ways to de-stress and stay happy:

1. Drink green tea

Drinking green tea has been found to reduce cortisol, the stress hormone. Green tea is also a great alternative to a more stimulating caffeine source, such as coffee.

The body is designed to handle and thrive on stress, but too much can lead to exhaustion and poor health.

When you feel stressed, the body springs into action. When under too much pressure, it can cause the body’s endocrine system to pump out intense levels of hormones. These can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of catching illness. Many people will feel irritable and have a shorter fuse than normal. They may also suffer headaches, nausea and tiredness.

Fortunately, when a stressful situation cannot be changed, there are techniques that can restore your sense of sanity and help you control the way you cope.

Relaxation techniques

Meditation has been found to relieve stress. Sit in a quiet room and in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and choose a mantra (“I am calm” for example) to focus on and repeat. Continue this for 10 minutes each day.

Studies have also found music can reduce blood pressure and stress hormones. Try to find time to listen to soothing music and just...

Socks and pyjamas aren’t always the most excited gifts to receive on Christmas morning, so why not treat your loved one to a treatment? With plenty to choose from you will be able to find a suitable treat for everyone on your list.

We look at the therapies that make lovely Christmas gifts, or even a pampering treat from you, to you!

Hot stone therapy

If you are looking for a gift that offers whole body relaxation, a hot stone massage is great. The therapy helps to melt away any tension through the heated volcanic stones and a combination of aromatic oils and traditional massage techniques.

During the massage, the stones are either moved across the body or are positioned on specific points to radiate their heat. The hot stones warm up the muscles, promoting deep relaxation. Hot stone massage is a wonderful gift for someone who needs help easing symptoms of stress, anxiety, circulatory problems and pain...

Whether it is work related, problems with friends or general daily pressures, everyone experiences stress at some point in their life.

While stress is experienced all year round, the festive period can bring stress and anxiety to the front of our minds for all sorts of reasons. The pressure of Christmas dinner, how to pay for presents and spending a lot of time with the family…

While many therapies are effective, they are often used for the long-term. This week we focus on what techniques can be practised in your everyday life to prevent and reduce feelings of stress.

Breathe deep

Taking a moment to breathe deeply has been shown to lower the body’s cortisol levels, helping to reduce stress. Research suggests deep breaths can also lower blood pressure temporarily.

Light candles

Research suggests aromatherapy is effective in reducing stress. Certain aromas such as lavender continue to reduce stress and anxiety levels.

Drink tea and laugh

A study has found that black tea can lower cortisol levels and promote...

This month, popular actress and singer Selena Gomez announced she has had to cancel some of her upcoming shows due to the diagnosis and treatment of lupus.

Gomez, aged 23, has been in the public eye for much of her adult life, however the recent diagnosis is forcing her to take a break from performing to focus on maintaining her health.

Lupus is an autoimmune illness commonly found in women, although symptoms of the illness can sometimes appear in men and children. Treatment for lupus commonly involves reducing inflammation and immune-suppressing medication, which can cause side effects.

There are many alternative therapies that are thought to help people living with lupus, these can include:

Yoga – This ancient practice is a popular therapy for people with lupus as regular practise can help keep the joints mobile and cope with stress. Stress can be a harmful enemy to people with lupus as it can increase pain and inflammation.

Meditation – Another traditional practice, meditation aims to make full use of the mind’s ability to control the body. It is a popular lupus...

Ayurveda is a type of alternative medicine, according to this; our energy is made up of the elements – earth, fire, water, air and space.

Every individual has a different combination to make up our constitutional balance. Vata is the ‘air and space’ element – it is cold, always moving, quick and constantly changing.

In terms of Ayurveda, a person with a Vata imbalance may be at risk of fatigue, insomnia, hypertension and an overactive mind. An overactive mind is when the person will continually worry and fear about the thoughts going on in their mind.

The effects of not giving yourself time to relax and not practising stress relieving methods can wreak havoc in the mind. Not only that, but society today is constantly moving and progressing, leaving our minds almost always ‘switched on’. In order to live a happy, healthy life, our mind and body occasionally need time to ‘reboot’.

Studies have shown overactive brain activity can be linked with depression, sleep disorders, fibromyalgia and other anxiety disorders or mental health problems. There are some great ways to keep an overactive mind...